China asks fliers to remove shoes at security check

(Olympics Snippets) Xinhua Beijing, March 28 (Xinhua) Aviation authorities are now telling passengers in China to remove their shoes for safety checks as part of a tighter security system ahead of the Olympic Games here in August. The order took effect nationwide Wednesday, according to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC). The agency also suggested that passengers arrive at airports two hours before their flights to allow time for tighter security procedures.

The authority banned liquids on domestic flights March 13 after what was described as an attempt to blow up a China Southern Airlines flight en route from Urumqi to Beijing.

Staff would also examine cabin baggage more closely and “easy boarding” services, where passengers pay for the privilege of speedier security checks and priority boarding, would be banned. CAAC also urged international airlines to report accurate and complete passenger and cabin staff information to Chinese border control stations in a timely manner.

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Vehicles in Beijing to touch 3.35 mn

Beijing: The Chinese capital’s motor vehicle total will reach 3.35 million in August, when the Olympics will be staged, according to sources in the municipal government. With a daily growth of 1,300 vehicles, the city is faced with increasing problems of congestion and pollution.

Till Tuesday, the city had a total of 3.23 million vehicles. More than two million of the vehicles are cars, according to the Beijing Municipal Traffic Management Bureau.

A traffic ban will be imposed during the Olympics, with the affected vehicle owners compensated by the government, said an official with the municipal government. The government official said that the plan was being drafted and the amount of compensation has not yet been decided.

Automobiles, excluding taxis, buses and emergency vehicles, are to stay off the roads every other day in accordance with even and odd numbers on the licence plates. Half of the many government vehicles in the city will also be off the road at any one time. The ban is aimed to ensure better air quality during the Olympics.

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China to send health supervisors to hotels, restaurants

Beijing: China is to dispatch health supervisors to hotels and restaurants during the Olympics to ensure food safety for the athletes and tourists, a senior official has said. In a meeting on health supervision, Ma Xiaowei, China’s Vice Health Minister, said the supervisors would check the safety of food and drinking water and hygiene conditions in hotels, restaurants and food suppliers.

At least one health supervisor will be sent to the athletes’ hotel, said Ma, adding that they will receive training beforehand. Health authorities will take water and air samples from the Olympics stadiums in host cities during the Games, he said.

The official also noted that a medical care team is to be organised to respond to emergencies related to chemical poisoning and radioactivity pollution. Xinhua